New rules for no-fly list to be announced tomorrow

For all those who think that unruly behavior is their birthright, especially in a plane, they could easily face a scenario where they may lose their right to fly. After the controversy surrounding Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad’s behavior in an Air India flight, the government will be introducing new rules regarding the no-fly list. The new rules will be announced tomorrow by Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju. It may be recalled that Raju had reprimanded Gaikwad in the Parliament for his unruly behavior, wherein he had assaulted a manager working for Air India. Subsequently, Raju was encircled by Shiv Sena members and he could have been assaulted too, but other leaders quickly intervened and diffused the situation.

The DGCA has to be consulted before an individual’s name is added to the no-fly list. Once a person has been included in the no-fly list, they will not be able to book plane tickets. However, such a penalty would be for a specific term, and the person will also have the right to appeal against the penalty. The government is also planning to identify such persons through their Aadhaar numbers. Also, the no-fly list would be available in public domain, so that everyone is aware about unruly passengers.